InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa

The Best Islands in the World: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards | Condé Nast Traveler

"As an example of Tahiti’s overwater-bungalow tradition, this resort is cited alongside others that keep the island’s pioneering overwater accommodation legacy alive." - Caitlin Morton

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"How many swim-up bars offer fine French Champagne? The Le Lotus Swim-Up Bar at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa does—along with tropical cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies. After getting a Mai Tai (or a glass of bubbly), relax in the 2,600 square-foot freshwater infinity pool, which even has a sandy bottom to simulate being in the ocean."

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"A long-standing, full-service hotel conveniently located a five-minute drive from the airport and about 15 minutes from downtown Papeete, positioned as the island’s grande dame with standard resort amenities for transiting and overnight guests." - Jeff Chu Jeff Chu Jeff Chu is an editor-at-large at Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"Tahiti invented the concept of the overwater bungalow so, when visiting, you’re almost compelled to stay in one. The island’s top luxury resort, the InterContinental, offers 32 surprisingly affordable options, plus a few hundred rooms in three beachside buildings, two infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a private beach, and a lovely spa. Modeled after traditional Polynesian fare houses, the bungalows reach out over the lagoon and include roofs woven from pandanus leaves, private jetties that provide direct access to the water, and terraces ideal for watching the sunset. When hunger strikes, head to the onsite Tiare Restaurant, which features an open kitchen and nightly Tahitian dance performances, or Le Lotus, which is set in an overwater building and gives off a romantic vibe with live piano, gorgeous views, and French cuisine. The resort is also home to the Tiki Bar, a favorite local watering hole that serves cocktails in coconuts."

"Tahiti invented the concept of the overwater bungalow so, when visiting, you’re almost compelled to stay in one. The island’s top luxury resort, the InterContinental, offers 32 surprisingly affordable options, plus a few hundred rooms in three beachside buildings, two infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a private beach, and a lovely spa. Modeled after traditional Polynesian fare houses, the bungalows reach out over the lagoon and include roofs woven from pandanus leaves, private jetties that provide direct access to the water, and terraces ideal for watching the sunset. When hunger strikes, head to the onsite Tiare Restaurant, which features an open kitchen and nightly Tahitian dance performances, or Le Lotus, which is set in an overwater building and gives off a romantic vibe with live piano, gorgeous views, and French cuisine. The resort is also home to the Tiki Bar, a favorite local watering hole that serves cocktails in coconuts."